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Why teams choose Basic Capital over Guideline
A modern, bundled 401(k) that gives your team advanced tax strategies, an open investment menu and a brokerage window. Guideline is now Gusto Retirement.
Best for
Basic Capital is better for teams that want advanced tax strategies, an open investment menu and a built-in brokerage window.
May fit instead
Guideline, now Gusto Retirement, may fit teams on Gusto payroll that want bundled recordkeeping, 3(16) and 3(38) support, the Gusto Retirement mobile app and compliance projections during the year.
See the full side-by-side comparison
AICPA SOC 1 Type I
· SOC 2 Type II ·
Comparison reviewed
November 11, 2026
Three reasons to choose Basic Capital over Guideline
Basic Capital is better for teams that want advanced tax strategies, an open investment menu and a built-in brokerage window.
Give your team more room to save
Eligible plans can add after-tax contributions with automated Roth conversions, so employees can save beyond the regular deferral limit. Guideline (now Gusto Retirement) does not offer a mega backdoor Roth.
Go beyond the plan's fund menu
Offer 6,000+ fund options, plus a brokerage window for employees who want individual stocks and ETFs. Guideline (now Gusto Retirement) offers neither an open-architecture menu nor a native brokerage window.
Switch providers without the heavy lifting
You confirm your plan details and notify your old recordkeeper. Basic Capital coordinates the transfer, carries over year-to-date contributions and can cover a break-up fee.
Which is right for your team?
A side-by-side look at what each provider offers.
Plan migration should feel effortless for your team
Basic Capital offers a white glove service to support your move to our platform.
Let your old record-keeper know you're transitioning and our team will handle the rest.
Switching to Basic Capital is easy
It takes two quick steps on your end: confirm a few plan details and forward one email we write for you. Basic Capital handles everything else.
We coordinate with your current provider
We reach out directly on your behalf to shepherd your plan through the transition.
We move your assets over
We work with your old recordkeeper and custodian so your plan’s funds transfer seamlessly.
We set up your employees’ accounts
With plan details, assets and payroll integrated, every account is ready. Most plans are live in 30 to 60 days.
We cover the fees and the fine print
We'll talk through any break-up fee your old provider charges, and we carry over year-to-date contributions so employees stay within IRS limits.
Competitor information on this page is our good-faith summary of publicly available sources, such as each provider’s website, help center and regulatory filings, as of the review date below. It is not a statement of fact by or about any provider and may be incomplete or out of date. Basic Capital is not affiliated with or endorsed by the providers compared on this page. All product names, logos and brands are property of their respective owners, and their use does not imply endorsement. Confirm current offerings directly with each provider.
Sources
Comparison last reviewed:
November 11, 2026